Medical Laboratory Technician II

Jackson County•538 Scotts Creek Road -- Sylva, NC

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Laboratory Technician II will serve primarily to provide complex laboratory procedures, analyses, and interpretation of laboratory services for all clinics, outreach programs, and the environmental health services of the Jackson County Department of Public Health. All laboratory testing is performed according to policies, procedures, and regulations. The Medical Laboratory Technician II serves as back-up supervisor when Medical Laboratory Technologist I (Laboratory Supervisor) is out of the office.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in medical technology from an appropriately accredited institution or completion of a certified laboratory assistant course in medical technology or a comparable course, and (1) one year of medical laboratory experience; or high school or General Education Development diploma and (3) three years of medical laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
General knowledge of techniques, principles, and instrumentation used in public health laboratory medicine
General knowledge of applicable laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and terminology
General knowledge of the variety of laboratory procedures performed in the laboratory
General knowledge of specimen processing
Knowledge of the basic physiological processes being monitored and how the medical laboratory science is applied
Skill in use of laboratory equipment
Skill in the performance of laboratory procedures
Ability to make accurate observations and written reports of test results
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
Knowledge and understanding of quality assurance and quality control practices
General knowledge of common health and safety precautions in working in a local health department
Ability to use sound judgment and empathy in dealing with patients
Ability to provide confidentiality and observation of HIPAA laws and regulations
Possess and maintain a valid North Carolina Driver’s License

Nice To Haves

ASCP Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Follows Standard Precautions at all times when collecting specimens, testing, and/or processing specimens.
Microbiology testing: Inoculating of urine cultures
Performs sterility checks and QC on each media shipment and records on microbiology log sheet
Performs wet mounts of vaginal secretions for indications of infections; i.e. WBC, yeast, trichomonas, bacteria, and “clue cells”
Performs direct smears: gram stains for detection of Neisseria gonorrhea and non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU), other bacteria, and yeast
Performs rapid methods: strep throat screens
Reconstitutes and inoculates media, and for use in required QC testing procedures for cultures
Complex procedures may use Oxidase for further identification and confirmation of bacteria
Hematology testing: Performs CBC (complete Blood Count) on Micros 60-DM Lite Analyzer. Reports out (9) parameters (RBC, HCT, MCV, HGB, WBC, MCH, MCHC, Platelet, and 3 Part Diff)
Performs HemoCue 201 testing (hemoglobin semi-automated analyzer) for WIC, Family Planning, Adult Health Clinics (if indicated), and General Clinics
Chemistry testing: Performs Glucose screens
Performs Glucose Tolerance Testing on DT HemoCue Glucose 201 Analyzer
Performs Glucose and Cholesterol testing on Cholestech LDX Analyzer
Performs Microalbumin testing on Clinitek Status Analyzer
Performs Hemoglobin A1C on DCA 2000 or Afinion
Urinalysis testing: Performs dipstick (chemical) analysis on Clinitek Status Analyzer/ Clinitek 50 (back-up)
Performs Urine Pregnancy testing
Provides detailed instructions to patients for obtaining a clean catch mid-stream urine sample.
Observes strict chain-of-custody required for drug screen for Perinatal, Prenatal, and urine drug screening for area businesses, Department of Social Services, and Jackson County Employees.
Miscellaneous Testing: Performs qualitative method detection of HCG in serum pregnancy test
Performs Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate testing for detection of inflammation as with arthritis, lupus, etc.
Performs Hemoccult testing for detection of blood in stool samples
Performs Rapid Influenza A & B testing
Performs Mono testing
Performs GeneXpert (CEPHEID) Sars COVID-19 testing
Performs Urine Drug Screen testing
Performs Breath Alcohol Testing
Collects specimens for Paternity/DNA analysis
Water Analysis: Performs water testing for coliform (total and fecal) bacteria
Processes water sample for Nitrate testing to be transported to Environmental Inc in Sylva, North Carolina
Record and mail water results to clients
Calls and mails positive water sample results as indicated in the laboratory water manual
Performs Water Proficiency Testing as indicated
Instructs clients on proper collection of water samples for bacteria analysis, nitrate, and nitrite testing
Performs required quality control on reagants, medias, as indicated by Public Water Supply Section
Enter water results into EPA’s Compliance Monitoring Data Portal (CMDP)
Performs routine phlebotomy services according to policies, procedures, and regulations; on and off-site for a variety of tests.
Prepares and processes specimens to reference (public and private) laboratories in accordance with laboratory protocols and reference manuals
Performs fingersticks; on and off site
Performs start up and shut down of analyzers according to laboratory procedures
Verifies that laboratory requisitions/ physician orders are complete and accurate
Documents results on in-house logs, and enters results into patient’s record in Patagonia (Electronic Health Record)
Answers general questions from patients or staff regarding laboratory procedures, patient preparation, policies, and protocols
Greets patients timely and courteously
Routes patients to other areas of clinic and/or waiting areas
Performs Breath Alcohol Testing for contracted agencies
Performs complex procedures and analysis
Performs routine and standardized tests
Performs Quality Control, Quality Assurance, and calibration procedures as outlined for clinical and environmental test procedures
Performs a variety of clinical tests
Performs a variety of environmental tests
Distributes results to appropriate provider, clinic/ department
Faxes and promptly calls all abnormal/ panic results to ordering physician or department
Complies and attests to HIPAA regulations
Complies with and follows Standard Precautions
Decontaminates work surfaces and/or equipment as specified in Blood Borne Pathogen policy manual
Disposes of hazardous waste using Standard Precautions
Stocks and rotate stock as needed in laboratory and phlebotomy areas
Provides Medical Technologist I with supply orders
Performs and reviews Proficiency Testing
Prepares daily totals for labs/ water testing, and patients seen for monthly WTU report
Records temperatures as required
Start up and shut down of analyzers according to laboratory procedures
Performs preventative maintenance on all equipment as needed
Packages lab specimens for courier (North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health, Harris Regional Hospital Lab, etc.)
Maintains laboratory supply inventory
Attends workshops, updates, and/or educational sessions that are deemed pertinent
Possess and maintain a valid North Carolina Driver’s License
Provides supervision to Medical Laboratory Assistant and students as needed
Performs daily review of patient’s results in the Electronic Health Record when Medical Laboratory Technologist I (Lab Supervisor) is unavailable.
Sends monthly invoices for water clients to Accounts Receivable as indicated
Performs other duties as assigned
Participating in Public Health Preparedness activities as directed by agency management; this employee will be expected to work as needed during public health emergencies, which may result in extended hours and long work shifts
Other duties as assigned by supervisor, Health Director, or Deputy Health Director